A new EU-China arrangement is set to restrict imports of Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars to 350,000 units a year, with the measure due to take effect in December. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said China had agreed to cut these exports to Europe by half. The article says about 800,000 Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles are expected to be sold in the bloc this year.
For buyers in Spain, the report expects fewer low-priced entry versions and longer waits. It says the cap does not add a direct tariff to retail prices, but a tighter supply could lead brands to favor more profitable trims and gradually raise prices. Automakers are also expected to prioritize cars already in stock. The models cited include MG’s ZS Hybrid+ and HS PHEV, BYD’s Seal U DM-i, and the Omoda 5 PHEV and Jaecoo 7 PHEV.
Vehicles above the quota would be held at European port customs rather than charged an additional tariff, according to the article. Chinese cars assembled within the EU—including production in Hungary and possible future manufacturing in Spain—would not count toward the limit. In exchange, China is also reported to have agreed to lower some tariffs on auto parts and cut duties on EU footwear, olive oil and ice cream, alongside steps to improve market access and export licensing for rare earths. The article presents European automakers as potential beneficiaries, but does not establish how much market share they will gain.